A group photography from 1968 featuring T Daly J Norris H Daly A Favreeaux V Howse E Taglietti

Professor Mark McKenna portrait photography

The Quiet Diplomacy of the Tennis Court, Canberra’s Mid-Century Social Networks | Talk

Name: The Quiet Diplomacy of the Tennis Court, Canberra’s Mid-Century Social Networks | Talk
Start: 2026-04-17
End: 2026-04-17
Location: Canberra Museum + Gallery

Next on 17 Apr 2026 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm

The Quiet Diplomacy of the Tennis Court, Canberra’s Mid-Century Social Networks | Talk

Overview

The quiet diplomacy of the tennis court, power and politics in mid-century Canberra is a lively panel event at Canberra Museum and Gallery exploring how social life shaped influence in the national capital.

Featuring leading historian Mark McKenna alongside Nicholas Brown and Virginia Rigney, the discussion reveals how informal networks, friendships and shared spaces played a role in political and cultural decision-making.

Using the tennis court as a starting point, the panel uncovers the connections between social life and power in a rapidly developing city.

Part of the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival, this event offers a fresh perspective on Canberra's mid-century history through the people, places and relationships that shaped it.